Julie Maddock, Author at BusinessWritingBlog

Looking Forward To vs. I Look Forward To

You’ve probably written or read multiple emails today… or within the last hour… or five minutes. Email and business go hand in hand. And we tend to fall back on one common phrase to wrap up every business letter or email we send. Interestingly, tweaking… continue reading

Is It “Bare With Me” or “Bear With Me”?

Here’s one question you really need to answer correctly: Is it “bare with me” or “bear with me?” Choose wisely. Otherwise, your email to a coworker saying, “bare with me,” could inadvertently be inviting them to shed their clothes alongside you. Yikes! The correct answer… continue reading

Grammar and Usage

What Is a Conjunctive Adverb?

Without even realizing it, you reach for them every day in your speech and writing. What are they? Conjunctive adverbs. And although you may not consciously think about them, it’s crucial to have a firm grasp on just what a conjunctive adverb is. And understand… continue reading

Should You Use Contractions in Business Writing?

Contractions in business writing… to use or not to use… that is the question. The art of business writing challenges you to strike that perfect balance between sounding friendly and approachable while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Contractions can be a useful tool to help… continue reading

Grammar and Usage

Split Infinitives – What Are They and Should We Use Them?

You use them every day in spoken English. Pick up a magazine or read an article online—you’ll see one or more somewhere on the page. Split infinitives are everywhere and widely accepted—yet they are still surrounded by controversy. So, is it OK to break the… continue reading

Writing Tips

The Importance of Planning a Business Document

Writing is the fun part. Editing is the hard part. Know what the first part is? Planning! What you do before you write is just as important as what you write. Planning a business document and using an outline are valuable tools you should reach… continue reading

How to Write a Professional Out of Office Message

Sunscreen? Check. Bathing suit? Check. Latest Grisham novel to read on the beach? Check. Created and activated the perfect professional out of office autoresponder email message? Umm… If you think you can just throw something together on your phone while boarding the plane, think again.… continue reading

Writing Tips

Abstract vs. Concrete Language: Which Is Better and Why?

When you hear the term “abstract,” what comes to mind? A painting by Jackson Pollock? And if you hear the word “concrete,” what’s the first thing you think of? A foundation? Or a sidewalk? Your brain pulled these answers quickly. Why? Because you are most… continue reading

Tips for Writing Gender-Neutral Emails

Gender-neutral language writing strategies are becoming increasingly popular. The goal is to write or speak using non-discriminatory language and to avoid gender-biased expressions or stereotypes. This will enable you to more easily connect with your audience and allow everyone to feel appreciated. So then, here… continue reading

Misplaced Modifiers: What Are They and How to Avoid Them

What are misplaced modifiers? Let’s start from the top. Modifiers hold a lot of power—they can change, clarify, or limit a particular word in a sentence. You can use them to add explanation or emphasis. They provide the extra details that make a subject interesting.… continue reading